The first iteration of the Asics DynaFlyte line was received well by the running community with a focus on the outsole and midsole. In this second iteration, Asics ensured that all of the technologies that runners loved about the first model stayed, and a few tweaks were made to lighten the shoe and give it more breathability. The second round of this shoe loses an entire ounce. This shoe provides some of the newest, smartest technologies to help the runner go fast for both long and short distances. It focused on being both lightweight and cushioned which is not something that many running shoes can do. Not only does this shoe feel great and provides the runner with added cushioning, it also looks great. Runners loved the dual coloring of the design and commented that this is a great looking shoe for running marathons or running errands around town. This is a neutral running shoe that is designed to support the natural running gait and does not have any stability features for under or overpronation. While this shoe is not the most inexpensive shoe on the market, it does provide a great fit and overall, runners who purchased this shoe commented that it was more than worth the money.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight

Cushioned

Lots of stylish colors

Improvements to the upper

Cons

Expensive

Not suitable as a stability shoe

Outsole

Outsole

The outsole is made using Asics Trusstic System. This outsole not only provides added traction and protection to the runner, it also does so in a lightweight package. The protection and durability of this outsole provide the runner with the ability to go long or short distances. Runners commented that the outsole provides the runner with durable cushioning and excellent traction.

Midsole

Midsole

Runners who liked the midsole of the original DynaFlyte will be pleased to know that the original midsole has returned in the DynaFlyte 2. The midsole of this shoe provides great bounce and feedback. The midsole is made using Asics’s patented full-length FlyteFoam foam. This foam adapts to the shape of the foot and provides great feedback and responsiveness for the runner. This foam is also 55% lighter than a traditional midsole foam which keeps the overall weight of the shoe light. Runners can also expect to find the Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning system in the midsole too. The Rearfoot Gel Tech Cushioning system absorbs the shock of each foot fall and provides added comfort to the runner. The midsole features Ortholite X-40 Sock liner. This midsole material wicks away sweat and helps to regulate the temperature inside of the shoe. Finally, this shoe features SpevaFoam 45 Lasting foam. This is a layer on top of the FlyteFoam that is designed to add extra cushioning and comfort.

Upper

Upper

The biggest changes from the first iteration of the DynaFlyte can be found in the upper. The upper of the shoe features some key changes like the addition of the lightweight Adapt Mesh Upper material. Not only does this provide amazing breathability, it also shaves an entire ounce off of the weight of the shoe. Runners reported that the Adapt Mesh provided enough ventilation to actually control the temperature of the inside of the shoe, reducing the risk of hot spots and blisters. The laces have also been updated. They are not flat and feature discrete eyelets. These eyelets pull tension away from the rest of the shoe and provide a more comfortable ride.

Breathability

Breathability

The newest addition to the DynaFlyte 2.0 is the new breathable mesh of the upper. One of the key suggestions that runners requested of the original version was the need for more breathability. Asics listed to their runners and designed the Adapt Mesh upper. This material molds to the shape of the foot and provides visible ventilation holes. This allows air to flow into the shoe, to circulate and also moves heat out of the shoe as well. Runners commented that they didn’t need to worry about the development of hot spots and blisters while running, even on long runs in hot weather.

Weight

Weight

The newer design shaves an entire ounce off of the overall weight of the shoe. The new DynaFlyte 2 weighs a mere 7.2 ounces for women and 8.9oz for men. What is unique about the weight of this shoe is that for as lightweight as it is, Asics worked to include thoughtful cushioning that will take the runner on long runs as well as short, fast runs too.

Comfort

Comfort

Often times a shoe that is designed for speed sacrifices the cushioning and support needed to make the shoe very comfortable in order to shed ounces that help the runner go fast. The DynaFlyte 2 is able to combine cushioning and lightweight speed in its unique design. Runners raves about the overall comfort of the shoe. This can be attributed to the SpevaFoam 45 Lasting which is an added layer of cushioning in the midsole. Additionally, the Rearfoot Gel Technology Cushioning system does an amazing job of absorbing the harmful shock of each footfall. This lowers the impact on the joints and runners who use this shoe for longer runs really benefited from this addition.

Style

Style

Runners love the look of this shoe. Not only does the two-toned color scheme get attention at the start line as well as while running errands around town, runners can expect to find a wide variety of color choices. Some of the most popular color combinations include black with island blue, cherry tomato with white, and black with hot pink and Persian jewel.

Protection

Protection

The key protective features in this shoe can RearFoot Gel Technology Cushioning System. The purpose of this technology in the shoe is to absorb shock. In the long run, this translates to less strain on the joints, especially the knees, ankles, and hips. Runners who are prone to injury found this shoe to do an excellent job of protecting against injury.

Durability

Durability

In terms of durability, runners commented that the unique midsole foam, the FlyteFoam, is able to retain its shape mile after mile. Even though this foam is lighter than the average midsole foam, it still is able to maintain its shape and runners commented that even after using this shoe for marathon training, it still had the same bounce and cushioning as it did when it was new. Additionally, the Adapt Mesh of the upper was very durable and there were no issues with rips or premature wear.

Responsiveness

Responsiveness

Runners commented that this shoe provides amazing bounce and responsiveness. The outsole and the midsole are much more lightweight than others in the same class of shoe, and runners commented that this helped the runner feel connected to the road below them. The midsole provides a snappy support system that helped the runner quickly and efficiently change direction and respond to changes in pace and terrain.

Support

Support

This shoe features a unique technological addition called the Impact Guidance System (I.G.S). This technology is designed to support the natural movement of the foot. It guides the foot through its natural gait cycle and supports the foot by removing the risk of unwanted side to side movement.

Terrain

Terrain

This shoe is designed for the roads, the treadmill, or the track. Although the underfoot of the shoe does feature good traction, it is not enough to keep the runner safe on the trails. For this reason, this shoe should be used solely for road and track running. Runners also liked this shoe has a lightweight cross trainer and as a companion during group exercise classes like Zumba and Body Pump.

Price

Price

This is not a shoe for the runner on a budget. Since this shoe has just recently been released, and since it also contains some of the newest technologies, the price of this shoe is much higher than other similar shoes on the market today. While there are many shoes that are designed for the runner looking to save some money, this is not that shoe.

Traction

Traction

The outsole of this shoe features a unique technology called the Trusstic System. This is an underfoot system that adds traction and protection without adding weight. This shoe lacks an aggressive lug system that will safely carry the runner across trails, but it does provide adequate traction for basic road, treadmill or track running.

Flexibility

Flexibility

Overall, the DynaFlyte 2 is a flexible shoe. The upper is an adaptable mesh that molds to the shape of the foot. The midsole is made using a lightweight, bendable foam that provides support but doesn’t weigh the runner down. The outsole is designed to move with the natural gait of the runner and not impede the runner in any way. Runners who are looking for a flexible ride found this shoe to provide the right amount of cushioning without impeding the natural movement of the foot.

Stability

Stability

This is not a stability shoe. The Asics DynaFlyte 2.0 is a neutral running shoe that is designed to move with the natural gait of the runner. This is not a shoe for the runner looking for support with pronation issues or added arch support.

Drop

Drop

The heel height of this shoe is 19 millimeters and the forefoot height is 11 millimeters. This gives the DynaFlyte 2.0 a heel drop of 8-millimeter. Runners who are used to a traditional heel drop won’t have a problem adapting to this lower heel drop. This shoe also features additional cushioning in the heel to give the shoe a more supportive feel than some other 8-millimeter drop shoes.

Key Features

Key Features

- Flat laces to ensure that the runner won’t be injured or distracted by untied laces
- FlyteFoam midsole is 55% lighter than other midsole foams
- Adapt Mesh upper is breathable and adapts to the shape of the foot
- Ortholite X-4.0 sock liner control temperature and moisture inside the shoe
- RearFoot Gel Technology Cushioning absorbs the shock of each footfall
- SpevaFoam 45 Lasting provides an additional layer of cushioning to the midsole
- Impact Guidance System in the outsole supports the natural movement of the gait cycle

Bottom Line

Bottom Line

In its second iteration, the newly redesigned Asics DynaFlyte is able to be both lightweight and cushioned. This makes this the ideal shoe for the runner who wants to go fast but doesn’t want a separate shoe for their long-distance racing and training. Asics includes a handful of the newest technological design elements in this shoe. The upper has been redesigned to add more breathability and reduce the overall weight of the shoe. The FlyteFoam midsole is much lighter than traditional midsole foams but still manages to be durable and protective. The outsole provides good traction on smooth surfaces, making it a good choice for a daily training shoe on the road, treadmill or track. This is not the shoe for the runner on a budget, but reviewer after reviewer commented that they loved this shoe and it was worth every penny.